The Huntsville native and Huntsville High/Auburn graduate was selected Thursday night during the taped "American Idol" auditions in Nashville to go onto Hollywood. McDonald,27, lead singer for the Grand Magnolias, formerly Hightide Blues, was shown singing bits of Rod Stewart's Classic "Maggie May," before getting the official yellow ticket to Hollywood from judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.

Jackson said "Very nice" and Lopez could be heard saying, ""Mmmm, I like him."

Internet sites and other sources have McDonald making it to the Top 40 of Hollywood and a trip to Las Vegas, where contestants will perform Beatles songs on the Cirque du Soleil "LOVE" stage Feb. 23. Internet and other sources say McDonald has made it to the Cirque du Soleil stage. The next time McDonald could be on "Idol" would be the Feb. 16-17 shows in Hollywood.

McDonald is under a strict "Idol" contract not to speak about his time on "Idol" and has declined to comment, but he did post a few things on Facebook Thursday night. Those watching may have noticed McDonald is listed from Nashville because that's where the Grand Magnolias are now writing and performing music.

"Oh man! My first song was 'Tutti Frutti' by Little Richard! I wished they had showed that one! Haha. Thanks for all the support guys!," he wrote.

He followed that up with: "All you guys are amazing! Thanks again to everyone that has supported me over the years! You make it real."

And finally, "Once again...here's my music page for everyone that's been asking! Spread the word! Thanks again guys! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-McDonald/138619446151440?ref=ts."

His parents, Susan and Dave McDonald, and sister, Beth, live here, but they have also declined to comment on their son's appearance on "Idol." They may also be under some sort of contract not to say anything yet.

Still, friends and family started congratulating McDonald on The Grand Magnolias', Hightide Blues' and his personal Paul McDonald Facebook Pages.

From Meg Bloom of Baton Rouge, La.: "Killer job tonight. So I'm just wondering how they plan to improve your look. I don't think it's possible and I'm pretty sure you'll be the new face of Crest along with being the next 'American Idol.' The biggest of congratulations Paul!"

Other Huntsvillians who know McDonald, his parents and sister, are equally proud.

From Shane Wilson, a local musician: Awesome! He's got a really interesting and unique voice that's very cool to listen to. I hope he's the next Alabama Idol! Pullin' for the home team!"

And from Tish Pegues, who works at the Huntsville Botanical Garden and goes to Cove United Methodist Church in Hampton Cove with his parents: "Paul McDonald is a good friend. His mom and dad are our buddies and we've known him since he was a little boy."